2020 Kia Soul, Soul EV and Niro EV make World Debut at LA Auto Show

At the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show today, Kia Motors America (KMA) introduced a better way to roll with the world debut of the all-new 2020 Soul, a completely new yet familiar version of Kia’s beloved and award-winning urban runabout. Taking everything that helped popularize the quirky, unconventionally styled subcompact, Kia Motors poured more of its soul into nearly every inch of the vehicle, resulting in a third-generation that continues to transcend unmatched style, peppy performance, thrilling technology, and urban practicality.

“The Soul has been a massive success since its introduction to the U.S. market, blowing its (now defunct) rivals out of the water and establishing itself as an automotive icon with its fun-loving character and eccentric style,” said Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics. “Even with an entirely new generation of competitors now crowding the marketplace, we are confident the all-new Soul will once again prove to be a tough contender given its unparalleled style and impressive level of invigorating technology and customization options.”

Proving the point that “there is a Soul for everyone,” the normally aspirated and optionally turbocharged Soul is available in six trim levels – LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX, “EX Designer Collection” – plus the all-new Soul EV (outlined in a separate press release). Pricing will be available closer to expected on-sale date in the first half of next year.

Design Beyond the BoxWhile the Soul stays true to its design heritage with its boxy silhouette and confident stance, its newly sculpted lines, cutting-edge details, and technical lighting elements present the most futuristic, youthful and innovative Soul yet.

Music has been an overarching theme for Soul since its inception, and it’s no different this round.. For the third generation, designers and engineers turned up the volume on the interior. Drawing inspiration from the “emotional visualization of sound,” the Soul’s interior space is adorned with shapes and textures that reflect acoustic inspired elements to create a full sensory experience.

Interior design highlights include:

Available sound mood lighting emits soft light from the center door panels and a unique 3D pattern surface on the upper door panels, with the ability to synchronize to the beat of the music playing through the Soul’s audio system

Sound mood lighting features a rainbow of customizable colors

Available wireless charging1

Available dual auto climate control

Soul’s signature tweeter speakers

HIGHLIGHT – SOUL’S MOOD LIGHTING SYSTEM

Since the Kia Soul first arrived on the scene in 2009, it has established a very real and remarkable connection with music. This continues to be a core attribute of the Soul’s persona and the volume has been turned up to 11 with a new mood lighting system that tailors the interior ambiance according to a variety of selectable “moods”:

Hey! Yo!

Party Time

Traveling

Romance

Midnight City

Cafe

Smart Packaging and Stronger StructureDespite its compact footprint, the Soul’s boxy dimensions continue to offer up a surprising amount of cargo and passenger space. Slightly longer than before, the 2020 Soul also features more smartly designed packaging in an effort to make accessibility even easier.

The 2020 Soul’s stronger structure benefits from an increased use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), hot stamped components, and structural adhesive. With stronger bones, the 2020 Soul is expected to achieve the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Next-Gen Infotainment and Kia Drive Wise TechnologiesRecognizing that one’s car is an integral part of their social life, the 2020 Soul continues to surprise and delight with next-gen infotainment and technology.

Bluetooth®6 Multi-Connection – two Bluetooth devices can be connected at the same time

Available 8-inch Head-Up Display2

Available 640-watt Harman Kardon7 audio system – twice the wattage of current Soul – with an amplifier and 10 speakers including tuned center speaker and subwoofer

Like other newly designed Kia models, the all-new Soul offers a suite of available Kia Drive Wise features8 including:

Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) / FCA Pedestrian type

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

Lane Changing Assist (LCA)

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)9

Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)

Rear Cross Collision Warning (RCW)

Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

High Beam Assist (HBA)

What Drives You?Soul enhances its fun-to-drive personality and versatility with different drivetrain combinations. From the all-new 2019 Forte, Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) is now available on the 2020 Soul for those who require efficiency with their zip. Designed and built in-house, the IVT is Kia’s unique version of a continuously variable transmission that provides an engaging driving experience.

With the Soul’s all-new platform comes a more refined experience behind the wheel and on the road. Engineers designed suspension geometry to help quell noise, vibration and harshness while also improving handling and comfort in a variety of conditions.

A Soul for EveryoneThe 2020 Soul can be outfitted to convey one’s unique sense of style through a variety of customizable options. Aside from the all-new Soul EV that debuts alongside its gasoline counterpart, the Soul offers even more flexibility according to different lifestyles.

GT-Line

Sporty front and rear fascia

18-inch alloy wheels

P235/45 R18 tires

Unique side sills and front fascia with red accents

Integrated fog lights on front grille

Gloss black side mirrors

“GT-Line” badging

Leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel and gearshift knob

Available 201-HP turbocharged engine

Chrome tip center exhaust

Larger disc brakes

Sport-tuned suspension

X-Line

Rugged body kit

Body cladding

Overfenders for chunkier look

Offroad-inspired accents

Unique 18-inch alloy wheels

Roof rail inspired accents

Optional two-tone paint

Fog lights

EX Designer Collection

18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes

LED headlights and fog lights

Two-tone roof treatment

P235/45 R18 tires

In conjunction with the Soul world-debut, the all-electric, battery-powered Soul EV was also unveiled. Just as quirky, fun-loving and crowd-pleasing, the Soul EV provides the opportunity for lovers of the Soul to drive without ever stopping for gas.
A Much Better BatteryThe new Soul EV has a new state-of-the-art liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer 64 kWh battery which is expected to mean much less need for daily charging, and with Combined Charging System (CCS) DC fast-charge2 as standard equipment, battery refills should be brief so road trip fun can happily continue after only a short break.

The new battery is currently being tested to ascertain precise EPA-estimated range. Results are expected early in 2019 and will be announced at a later date.

Driving Dynamics – The Soul EV is More Fun Than EverThe Soul EV has always provided a bit of a magic carpet ride, whisking along silently with seemingly effortless pull. Now, with 201 horsepower and 291 lb.-ft. of torque (way up from 210 lb.-ft. in the outgoing model), drivers will feel like a virtual Aladdin. Handling and driving dynamics are also much improved, thanks to the addition of independent rear suspension. The new Soul EV also provides plenty of tools for drivers to customize their driving experience and their battery usage, including:

Four drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Sport and Eco+ – that automatically adjust power output to the traction motor, regenerative braking, air conditioning and heating settings, and set speed limits to help manage operating efficiency3 depending on driving conditions

The 2020 Soul is all-new with a refreshed exterior that stays true to its boxy origins – a distinctive look beloved by legions of fans. The new Soul EV is built with the same architecture, but imbued with unique styling that provides the car a flair of its own:

Restyled front and rear bumper fascias

Solid front grille insert with charging door conveniently located on driver’s side

LED headlamps strikingly integrated into upper cross-car brow

Unique fog lamps

Exclusive EV five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels

Technology Befitting a Thoroughly Modern VehicleThe Soul EV comes equipped with a long list of state-of-the-art features to help enhance safety, improve the driving experience and provide ease of operation and ownership. Kia engineers and designers have thought of everything. Every Soul EV includes a suite of “Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, and a long list of standard and optional equipment, highlights of which are listed below.

7 airbags12 (dual front advanced air bags, dual front seat-mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags with rollover sensor, driver’s side knee air bag)

Vehicle Safety Systems13

Antilock braking

Traction control

Electronic stability control

Hill-start assist control

Tire pressure monitoring system

Pedestrian warning system

“Kia Drive Wise” Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)14

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)15

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go

Blind Spot Collision Warning (BSW) (available)

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (available)

Parking Distance Warning – Reverse only (available)

New for Soul EV is a revamped UVO16 telematics system that allows owners to monitor and control a long list of vehicle operations, including:

Notifications of battery and charging status

Real-time charging station update

Scheduled charging

Panic notifications – the vehicle will send a notification to the server if the panic alarm is triggered and the system dials 911 emergency services, provides the car position via GPS, and opens a live microphone so that emergency workers can communicate with the vehicle occupants

“Send2Car” points of interest (POI) and waypoints — owners will be able to plan a road trip with waypoints and send it to the vehicles’ navigation system

Made in Korea and One Soul with a Whole Lot MoreBuilt at the Gwangju plant in Korea, the Soul EV is expected to go on sale next year. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Buyers can choose from two trims, the Soul EV and the Soul EV Designer Collection. Supporting its super-fancy sounding name, the Designer Collection model gets all the Soul EV goodies, plus a whole lot more, including:

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia Motors America continues to top quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands and 50 Best Global Green Brands by Interbrand. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and offers a complete range of vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including cars and SUVs proudly built in West Point, Georgia.*

4 The Brake and Hold system is not a substitute for safe driving. Do not solely rely on the system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.

5 The Smart Regeneration system is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects in front of the vehicle. Do not solely rely on this system to stop the vehicle or avoid collisions. Always drive safely and use caution.

6 Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation.

7 Rear View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects behind the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

8 SiriusXM audio and data services each require a subscription sold separately, or as a package, by Sirius XM Radio Inc., after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase. If you decide to continue service after your trial, the subscription plan you choose will automatically renew thereafter and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see the SiriusXM Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling SiriusXM at 1-866-635-2349. All fees and programming are subject to change. Traffic information not available in all markets. SiriusXM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc.

10 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

11 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., and any use of such marks by Kia is pursuant to license. A Bluetooth® enabled device is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.

12 For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt.

13 No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely.

14 These features are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects surrounding vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

15 Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances of driver fatigue or inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.

16 Purchase/lease of a new 2020 Kia Soul EV vehicle with UVO includes a complimentary one year subscription starting from new vehicle retail sale/lease date as recorded by the dealer. After your complimentary one year UVO subscription expires, continued access to UVO will require a paid subscription at the then current subscription rate or your use of UVO will immediately terminate. Use of UVO is subject to agreement to the UVO Privacy Policy available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/privacy-policy.html and Terms of Service available at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/terms-of-service.html. UVO is transferrable to subsequent owner during the original UVO service term. Only use UVO when safe to do so. UVO app is available from the App Store® or Google Play™ Store. Kia Motors America, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue UVO at any time without prior notification or incurring any future obligation. Message and data rates may apply. Cellular and GPS coverage is required to use most features. UVO features may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. For more on details and limitations, visit https://owners.kia.com or your authorized Kia dealer. Google and logos are trademarks of Google, Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc.

17 Harman/Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

18 Charging system only works with select devices. Refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for warnings and instructions.